Mae West

Mae West was an American actress, playwright, screenwriter and sex symbol who rose to prominence in vaudeville before becoming one of Hollywood's most controversial and highest-paid stars of the 1930s. Her bold, sexually suggestive performances and witty double entendres made her both a cultural icon and frequent target of censorship. As a writer, West authored numerous plays and scripts that challenged social conventions around sexuality and gender roles. Her most notable works include the plays "Sex" (1926) and "The Drag" (1927), as well as her breakthrough screenplay "She Done Him Wrong" (1933), which was adapted from her play "Diamond Lil." The success of West's written work stemmed from her ability to navigate censorship while delivering provocative content through clever wordplay and innuendo. Her autobiography "Goodness Had Nothing to Do with It" (1959) and collection of writings "Three Plays by Mae West" (1997, posthumously published) showcase her distinctive voice and cultural impact. West's influence extends beyond her era, with her quotations and aphorisms remaining widely referenced in popular culture. Her work consistently challenged prevailing attitudes about women's sexuality and independence, making her an important figure in both entertainment and social history.

Readers appreciate Mae West's sharp wit and ability to challenge 1920s-30s social norms through clever dialogue and double entendres. Many note how her plays and scripts pushed boundaries while avoiding explicit content through skillful wordplay. Readers highlight: - Bold handling of taboo subjects like sexuality and gender roles - Memorable one-liners that remain quotable decades later - Historical significance in fighting censorship - Strong female characters who controlled their own destinality Common criticisms: - Some plays feel dated in their treatment of race and class - Writing style can be melodramatic by modern standards - Plots often take backseat to provocative dialogue - Some readers find the constant innuendo repetitive On Goodreads: - "Goodness Had Nothing to Do with It" (autobiography): 3.9/5 from 321 ratings - "Three Plays by Mae West": 3.7/5 from 89 ratings - "She Done Him Wrong" (screenplay): 3.5/5 from 156 ratings One reader noted: "Her talent was making suggestive content palatable through humor rather than shock value."

Goodness Had Nothing to Do with It (1959) Autobiography detailing West's early life, career beginnings, and rise to stardom, including her experiences with censorship and legal battles.

Sex (1926) A play about a Montreal prostitute seeking redemption, which led to West's arrest on morals charges and eight days in jail.

The Drag (1927) Stage play exploring homosexuality and drag culture in New York City, which was banned from Broadway during its initial run.

Diamond Lil (1928) A play set in the 1890s Bowery featuring a strong-willed saloon singer, which West later adapted into the film "She Done Him Wrong."

The Constant Sinner (1931) Novel following the adventures of Babe Gordon, a bold and ambitious woman navigating Manhattan's underworld.

Pleasure Man (1928) Theater production about vaudeville performers and backstage life, which was shut down by police during its Broadway premiere.

She Done Him Wrong (1933) Screenplay adaptation of "Diamond Lil," modified to meet Hollywood production codes while maintaining the essential plot.

Mae West on Sex, Health and ESP (1975) Collection of West's thoughts and philosophies on various topics, including relationships, wellness, and the paranormal.

Dorothy Parker wrote witty social commentary and sharp-tongued observations about relationships and society in the early 20th century. Her style combines humor with cynicism, focusing on gender dynamics and social satire.

Anita Loos created characters who used sexuality and wit as tools for social advancement in male-dominated spaces. Her work "Gentlemen Prefer Blondes" shares themes with West's writing about women who understand and manipulate social power dynamics.

Sophie Tucker wrote autobiographical material that dealt frankly with sexuality, power, and entertainment in the early 1900s. Her perspective as a vaudeville performer mirrors West's entertainment background and bold approach to taboo subjects.

Tallulah Bankhead produced memoirs and writings that captured the voice of a strong-willed woman who defied social conventions. Her work includes similar themes to West's about sexuality, independence, and challenging societal norms.

Texas Guinan wrote about her experiences as a performer and nightclub owner during Prohibition. Her written works document the same era as West's and share the perspective of a woman who built her own empire in the entertainment world.